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recertification requirements
 

Certification is effective for a period of five years.  In order to recertify, candidates must meet recertification requirements before the last day of the fifth full year following the year in which they were last certified (i.e., if certified 9/93, recertification must be accomplished prior to 12/31/98).  Recertification expires for those who fail to recertify every five years as required.

All current CEM®s who wish to maintain their CEM® designation must recertify at five-year intervals by submitting documentation that demonstrates continuing education and contributions in three major groups: 

• Education & Training,
• Participation, and
• Service & Leadership. 

Candidates must accumulate 500 points over the five year period since their last certification date to recertify by attaining a minimum of 100 points in each of the three groups:  Education & Instruction, Participation, Service & Leadership. This ensures a balanced approach to the contributions made in the field, while giving them an opportunity to make more contributions in areas of their strengths. The remaining 200 points can be attained in any category of any group unless otherwise specified. 

The current re-certification/maintenance fee is $200.

Lapsed Re-certification Policy

(adopted 02/09/07)

Certified Emergency Managers® must maintain the CEM® credential every five years. Multiple deadline reminders are sent from IAEM headquarters electronically and via U.S. Postal Service.

Following expiration, former CEM®s will receive a registered letter that their certification has expired and they must cease-and-desist use of the credential (but they are invited to reapply at any time).

Up to a one-year grace period may be allowed under extenuating circumstances such as a major disaster, granted at the discretion of the Commission Chair. Both the request, and the submission of materials, must occur within the 12 months of expiration and under exceptional circumstances. A $100 late fee will be assessed. 

If previously-certified professionals let their CEM® lapse beyond the 12-month grace period, they must begin the entire certification process again, sending in a completely new application package and full fees. Their certification cycle then “re-sets” based on the new application.